This post is an attempt to collect some data on what the posters here feel karate kata were and were not designed for. Perhaps it can give a greater insight into what the masses feel is the purpose of kata and may be interesting for those who consider kata the heart of their karate to see what the rest of the karate community thinks.

Below are some suggestions as to what a karateka might feel is the purpose of kata in their respective style. You may choose multiple options. Have fun!

Note: I have attempted to word the poll well, but found it quite difficult, please do not be too 'exacting' and click choose a category if you feel it was aimed at what you do but worded poorly. Failing this choose other and state it!

Kata in my style of karate is intended as a training method toMultiple choices allowed

Cheers harlan. It is pretty difficult to make a generic poll such as this one. At least i found it so, but i thought some might see that and see what the each choice was 'getting at'. As admitted it may be worded poorly, but please cut it some slack.

Kata is a method to preserve fighting techniques and principles of a person or groups of people. In training fighting techniques and their application are learned first. Then kata is learned to reinforce the lessons, provide a vehicle for refinement of technique and movement, as well as balanced physical development for long term study. Kata training is about development of trained response to attacks.

I recently read a copy of Iain Abernethy's Applied Karate.He has an interesting definition of what kata are. It comes close to my opinion.

Kata are methods to train ideal techniques in a solo environment.Next to that, when applied (that means in a realistic and resistant training situation with and against a trainingbuddy) it can provide certain principles (like jointlocks, grappling and others).

Kata on itself are in my opinion training tools for techniques and principles. Kata training doesn't end after running through the motions. (Only at and early stage and when practising solo.)

I believe that kata was designed as a tool to taking up time. When you get people into a dojo that you do not know well, it's foolish to get them into sparring or resistance drilling right off the bat. Thus kata is used as a way of preparing the body for combat, through ritualistic practice that kept them FROM combat (thus maintaining control in the dojo).

So, kata was/is used as method to control time, and in many cases, to also lengthen a students time in training.

I've seen kata used as a way to reduce the possibility of people getting hurt and thus, limiting the possibility of getting sued.

Just thought I'd add, that I think it is two seperate questions: what kata were designed for, and how they are used and trained. It's been said that one has to 'train kata properly' in order to understand it. So...yeah...it can be a big waste of time if not trained properly. On all levels.